What is known about the COVID-19 Omicron variant?

Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other” variants of concern, the organization said in a statement Friday. “(This) variant has been detected at faster rates than previous surges in infection, suggesting that this variant may have a growth advantage.”

How does the Omicron variant of COVID-19 differ from the Delta variant?

Scientists from South Africa also believe omicron may lead to more cases of reinfection in people who’ve already had COVID-19. Omicron has more mutations on its spike protein than the delta variant does, but whether or not that means anything remains to be seen.

What is the delta variant of COVID-19?

The delta variant is highly contagious. It’s more than twice as contagious as previous variants. It causes more severe illness in unvaccinated people as compared to other variants so far. It can be spread by fully vaccinated people however, they’ll spread it for less time as compared to unvaccinated people.

Are the symptoms the same for the delta variant as COVID-19?

Delta variant symptoms are the same The symptoms of the Delta variant appear to be the same as the original version of COVID-19. However, physicians are seeing people getting sicker quicker, especially for younger people.

How much more contagious is the Delta variant of COVID-19?

• The Delta variant is more contagious: The Delta variant is highly contagious, more than 2x as contagious as previous variants.

Is the delta variant worse if you’re vaccinated?

was released by the CDC last week showing that vaccinated people infected with the delta variant carry viral loads similar to those of people who are unvaccinated. While this sounds discouraging, it’s important to keep three things in mind: Vaccines remain highly effective at preventing severe disease.

How many people have been vaccinated against covid-19 in the US?

The U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program began December 14, 2020. As of June 10, 305.7 million vaccine doses have been administered. Overall, about 172.4 million people, or 51.9\% of the total U.S. population, have received at least one dose of vaccine. About 141.6 million people, or 42.6\% of the total U.S. population, have been fully vaccinated.*

What will be the predominant variant circulating in the US?

Nowcast estimates indicate that Delta will continue to be the predominant variant circulating in all 10 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regions, circulating at greater than 99\%. The proportions of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma are estimated to be well below 0.5\% in all HHS regions.

Will 70\% of Americans be vaccinated by July 4?

Amid declining deaths and new cases, the U.S. has almost fully reopened, despite most states being unlikely to miss President Biden’s goal of having 70\% of Americans at least partially vaccinated by July 4.